Freezing rain poses particular challenges to safe driving. Roads become iced over. Traction decreases, and stopping distances increase. If at all possible, it’s best to put off road trips until conditions improve.
We’ll go over what to check before heading out, how to minimize risks while you’re on the move, how to respond to your car’s ABS and stability-control systems, and what to do if conditions change.
Should You Drive In Freezing Rain?
If you're driving when freezing rain starts, slow down gradually, increase the distance between you and other vehicles more than normal, avoid sudden steering and braking moves and turn off cruise control.
If visibility is reduced or you're losing control of your vehicle, get off the road to a safe area.
Avoid driving during freezing rain if at all possible. Wait until the warning has expired, road crews have treated routes, and local road conditions have improved before setting out.
1. Plan Ahead
Check Environment and Climate Change Canada for any warnings before you go. Check your territory's or province's road service. For example, Ontario 511 reports on Ontario’s provincial highways and where the plows are.
Postpone travel during freezing rain or when it is expected along your route. If you must travel, tell someone where you’re headed and when you’ll be arriving.
Charge your phone before you go, and bring a charging cord and a portable charger/battery pack.
Keep your gas at least half-full. In an EV, make sure you’ll have enough range to get through, especially if you have to stop unexpectedly in the cold.
2. Prepare A Winter Safety Kit
Make sure you have an ice scraper, snow brush, a small shovel, booster cables, a flashlight, a blanket, a first-aid kit, and other emergency supplies in case of delay. Stock up on items like traction aids, reflective warning devices, a change of warm clothes, water, food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and washer fluid, and keep a spare bottle in the vehicle. Based on the needs of vehicle occupants, pack needed medication, mobility aids, etc.
3. Use Winter Tires
Use four matching winter tires that are properly inflated and have adequate tread. Transport Canada recommends using winter tires on all wheels when travelling in cold, snowy, or icy conditions. The specially designed rubber compound and tread on winter tires provide better traction in cold, snowy, or icy conditions.
Winter tires provide limited traction on roads that are covered in ice. Avoid travelling or reduce your speed when roadways are icy.
Read More: Compare Winter Tires for Canadian Driving
4. Make Sure You Can See And Be Seen On The Road
Transport Canada recommends removing all snow from your vehicle before you begin your journey. Clear all snow from the hood, roof, windows, and lights of your vehicle. Snow can come loose while you’re on the road and fall onto your windshield or onto other vehicles.
Clear any fog or frost from windows so you can see while driving. Turn on your headlights if visibility is low.
If you cannot see the vehicles around you at a safe distance or see the road markings, exit the road at a rest area or other exit and wait out the poor visibility in a building. Never stop in a live lane unless the vehicle cannot move and an emergency leaves no safer choice.
5. Avoid Passing Snowplows
Blowing snow and ice, ridges formed by plows, and pavement conditions can obscure other drivers and vehicles. Maintain a safe distance behind plows and winter-maintenance equipment, and follow Ontario's passing laws and any instructions from a snowplow operator. Do not pass when visibility is limited.
6. Adjust Your Driving And Braking
Slow down before curves, bridges, hills, or intersections. Use the gas, brake, and steering controls smoothly and gently. Don’t make unnecessary lane changes. Don’t make sudden moves to determine if the roadway is icy.
If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes and you need to stop in an emergency, press the brake firmly and keep steady pressure on it. Don’t pump the brake. The brake may pulsate. Keep steering in the direction you want to go. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual because braking systems vary by manufacturer.
If you begin to skid, ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go.
Read More: Review Safe Winter-Driving Practices in Canada
7. Maintain A Safe Distance
It will take longer to stop on slippery roads. The distance should be greater than usual and vary with speed, road and traffic conditions, visibility, hills, and other factors.
Leave enough distance to stop without hitting the car in front of you. Slow down if you can't keep this distance.
Don't just watch the tail lights in front of you. Look as far down the road as possible. It will help you predict when you'll have to slow down.
8. Know What To Do If The Vehicle Skids
Ease off the gas slowly and steer smoothly.
Many vehicles have electronic stability control, a system that can help bring a skidding vehicle under control by applying the brakes to individual wheels and/or by reducing engine power. The system may activate if traction is lost. If the stability system light comes on, slow down.
No single set of steps will get a front-wheel-drive car or a rear-wheel-drive car out of a skid. Learn how your vehicle reacts when traction is lost and follow the advice of a certified winter-driving course instead of relying on an article.
9. Expect Ice In High-Risk Places
Bridges, ramps, shaded pavement, intersections, hills, and overpasses can be more likely to be icy during freezing conditions. Slow down before driving onto these areas. Drive at a steady speed and avoid accelerating, braking, or changing lanes over these areas.
10. Avoid Using Cruise Control
Cruise control may not always respond as quickly as road conditions change. Driving manually gives you more control in poor weather and reduces the chance of spinning out.
Many newer cars have automated driving technology such as blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping features. However, ice and snow can obscure the car’s sensors, and these systems may not always detect ice on the road. Never allow these features to replace human judgment.
11. Stop Safely If Conditions Get Worse
Get out of traffic. Find a place like a highway exit, a rest stop, or a gas station where your car is away from traffic.
If you are stranded, stay in your car. Call for help and follow emergency-service instructions. Check the tailpipe periodically to keep it clear of snow, and run the motor sparingly.
12. Choose A Safer Alternative
If the weather is bad enough to pose a risk, consider alternative travel options. Postpone your trip, work from home or reschedule an appointment. You can also take public transportation if it’s running and safe to reach. In freezing rain, bike lanes and sidewalks can be as hazardous as roads.